Harry Kane can emulate Lineker at the World Cup

Harry Kane is among the favourites to win the World Cup Golden Boot

Tottenham Hotspur fans should be grinning from ear-to-ear at this moment in time. The announcement that Harry Kane signed a new deal at Spurs until 2024 not only signals the club’s intent but it means that the England No.9 can focus on his next task, to steer England to the latter stages of the World Cup. Kane had another phenomenal season at Spurs where he narrowly missed out on a third consecutive Premier League Golden Boot. Kane’s return of 108 goals in Premier League 158 appearances highlights just how important it was for Spurs to get their talisman to sign a new deal.

Intelligent and ruthless in front of goal – an all-round centre forward, Gary Lineker, The Times

England duty

Gareth Southgate’s decision to nominate Kane as the England captain has raised a few eyebrows. A captain must be able to lead by example. Kane has demonstrated that he’s able to do just that on the pitch. Kane’s peer group will surely respect and recognise his abilities. With that recognition comes respect. Southgate’s decision may well turn out to be instrumental in England’s quest for International glory, be it in 2018 or within the next four years.

Golden boot

Only three players in World Cup history have ever scored more than 10 goals in the World Cup finals; Sandor Kocsis (Hungary, 1954), Just Fontaine (France, 13), Gerd Müller (Germany, 1970). The last England player to win the coveted award was Mr Lineker when he scored six in Mexico, 1986. Lineker was given the opportunity to play as England’s No.10 by the late Bobby Robson at a time when the Everton forward wasn’t in a great deal of form for his country. England had their backs to the wall in Group F after picking up just one point from their opening two games. Lineker led the line against Poland to score a hat-trick, sending Robson’s men to the knockout stages. The rest as they say his history. Kane has similar qualities to Lineker – the desire to score goals being the most notable synergy between the two strikers.

Kane is as low as 10/1 with Spread Ex to win the Golden Boot. It’s easy to sit and say that the likes of Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi or Antoine Griezmann will beat Kane to the Golden Boot. Who would have thought that James Rodriguez (6) would finish as the tournament’s highest scorer in 2014?

If Kane is to have any chance of winning the Golden Boot he will need the kind of service that he enjoys at Spurs. Much has been made in the media about England’s lack of creativity, especially in midfield. One tricky forward might just provide the England skipper with the ammunition to score. Raheem Sterling has grown in stature under the guidance of Pep Guardiola. Sterling was instrumental in City’s Premier League rout, creating over 50 chances for his teammates. If Southgate can get the best out of Sterling then Kane will score goals.

Expectations

Few outside of the England camp are expecting miracles. The England players are going to have to step up to the mark in Russia and if that happens then a quarter-final appearance isn’t beyond their capabilities. Kane may not return from Russia with the World Cup but don’t bet against him winning the Golden Boot. If he achieves that accolade he may well receive plaudits from one or two Arsenal fans.